Cisco Nexus 2248TP-1GE vs 2248TP-E
Both are 48-port 1GbE fabric extenders with four 10G uplinks, but the 2248TP-E is the enhanced model: it adds a large 32 MB shared buffer and improved counters for bursty, latency-sensitive workloads. For database, storage, and big-data racks, the 2248TP-E is the upgrade worth making.
Cisco Nexus 2248TP-1GE Fabric Extender
1RU FEX with 48x 100/1000BASE-T host ports and 4x 10GbE SFP+ fabric uplinks for cost-effective Gigabit server access.
- 48x 100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) host ports
- 4x 10GbE SFP+ fabric uplinks
- Standard shared buffer sized for general access
- End-of-sale and end-of-life
Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E Fabric Extender
Enhanced 1RU 1GbE FEX with the same 48x 1000BASE-T host ports and 4x 10G uplinks, plus a 32 MB shared buffer for bursty traffic.
- 48x 100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) host ports
- 4x 10GbE SFP+ fabric uplinks
- 32 MB shared buffer for burst absorption
- Enhanced counters and statistics for big-data and storage racks
Cisco Nexus 2248TP-1GE Fabric Extender vs Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E Fabric Extender: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Nexus 2248TP-1GE Fabric Extender | Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E Fabric Extender |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 1RU | 1RU |
| Host (server) ports | 48x 100/1000BASE-T | 48x 100/1000BASE-T |
| Fabric (uplink) ports | 4x 10GbE SFP+ | 4x 10GbE SFP+ |
| Shared buffer | Standard shared buffer | 32 MB shared buffer |
| Target workloads | General-purpose 1G access | Large databases, distributed storage, video editing |
| Counters and statistics | Standard | Enhanced statistics and counters |
| Operating model | Remote line card of parent switch | Remote line card of parent switch |
| Redundant power and fans | Yes, hot-swappable | Yes, hot-swappable |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-sale / end-of-life | Mature but the preferred 1G FEX of the two |
Choose Cisco Nexus 2248TP-1GE Fabric Extender if
Choose the standard 2248TP-1GE only to maintain an existing deployment with spare units on hand. Functionally it is fine for light Gigabit access, but it lacks the deep buffer of the -E.
Choose Cisco Nexus 2248TP-E Fabric Extender if
Choose the 2248TP-E when servers generate bursty or many-to-one traffic, such as Hadoop, distributed storage, or backup, where the 32 MB shared buffer prevents drops the standard 2248TP would experience.
Verdict
Move to the 2248TP-E. It is a drop-in port match for the 2248TP-1GE but adds a 32 MB buffer and better counters that materially reduce drops on bursty 1G racks. Keep the standard 2248TP only as a short-term spare since it is end-of-life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Nexus 2248TP and 2248TP-E?
Port layout is identical: 48x 100/1000BASE-T host ports and four 10GbE uplinks. The 2248TP-E adds a 32 MB shared buffer and enhanced statistics aimed at bursty data-center workloads.
Is the Nexus 2248TP-1GE end of life?
Yes, the standard 2248TP-1GE has reached end-of-sale and end-of-life. The 2248TP-E and the newer Nexus 2300 fabric extenders are the recommended paths.
Does the 2248TP-E change my server cabling?
No. Both use 48 RJ-45 100/1000BASE-T host ports and four 10G SFP+ uplinks, so existing copper server cabling and uplinks carry over directly.
When is the 32 MB buffer on the 2248TP-E worth it?
It helps most with incast and bursty traffic, for example distributed storage, big-data clusters, and backup windows, where a standard FEX buffer would overflow and drop packets.
More Nexus comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.